MOVIE REVIEW
All the Men I Met but Never Dated
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Genre: Drama, Romance, Short
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 12m
Director(s): Muneeb Hassan
Writer(s): Muneeb Hassan, David Stokes
Cast: Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, Jared P-Smith, Samiya Khan, Safinaz Mashali, Sivan Sheli Yakovich, Saymon Montero
Where To Watch: shown at the 2024 Woodstock Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: In the landscape of New York City, the quietly stirring ALL THE MEN I MET BUT NEVER DATED captures the inner turmoil of Ali (Ahmed Shihab-Eldin,) a man wrestling with his concealed identity against the city's emblem of freedom. Through his eyes, the film crafts a narrative that's as subtle as it is emotionally charged, balancing the scales of personal liberty and societal norms.

Shihab-Eldin depicts Ali's life as a delicate balancing act between his traditional upbringing and his secret self. His relationship with Oliver (Jared P-Smith) catalyzes Ali's self-exploration as he traverses his complex dual existence. This bond is rendered with a sincerity that eschews typical romantic drama clichés, offering deep dives into their authentic interactions that push the boundaries of conventional LGBTQIA2S+ narratives.

Drawing on his similar life experiences, director Muneeb Hassan shapes the film with a refined touch, turning the “closet” from a mere plot device into an arena of conflict and contemplation. The narrative unfolds with an organic flow, sidestepping melodrama to focus on the real stakes of Ali's journey—his battle for self-acceptance. The uncluttered cinematography enhances this theme, allowing the raw emotions and the city’s daunting expanse to propel the story forward, inviting the audience to connect deeply with Ali's challenges.

The pacing and dialogue in ALL THE MEN I MET BUT NEVER DATED are thoughtfully designed to mirror the intricate process of Ali's self-discovery, all in just 11 minutes. The film strategically foregrounds internal conflicts over external expressions, offering viewers a front-row seat to the protagonist's psychological nuances. This directorial vision intensifies the impact of Ali's narrative, emphasizing the resilience required to navigate such a layered existence.

Moving away from the expected LGBTQIA2S+ plotlines that climax with a dramatic coming-out scene, this film instead spotlights the enduring internal struggle for acceptance. It posits that the most profound conflicts are fought in the solitude of one’s mind, stressing the value of personal peace without the validation of an audience. So, I won’t lie; the ending was a struggle. I won’t spoil it, but I almost feel it was against the grain of what it was going for. Breaking away from traditional narrative closures, ALL THE MEN I MET BUT NEVER DATED ends on an open note, mirroring the unresolved nature of Ali's journey. This deliberate ambiguity enhances the film's realism and invites viewers to reflect on the intricate interplay of love, identity, and personal sacrifice. It underscores the poignant reality that reconciling one’s truth with love can often be complex but ultimately reconcilable.

The film stands out for its compelling narrative and the significant questions it raises about identity, acceptance, and the human condition. It shuns simple resolutions, cultivating a space where empathy and understanding can flourish. This film serves as a poignant reminder of the power of authenticity in a world that frequently demands conformity, making it essential viewing for those who seek cinema that challenges and inspires.

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[photo courtesy of LA CINESCOPE STUDIOS, APPLE BOX PRODUCTIONS, BUTTERFLY TEMPLES STUDIO]

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